Bike Accidents
An ASU biochemistry student left her residence on her bicycle heading toward campus. She rode westbound on University Drive on the south side of the road. However, this violated a City of Tempe ordinance requiring bicyclists to travel in the same direction as traffic. She approached the intersection with Smith Drive. Smith Drive has a stop sign controlling northbound traffic. As she began to cross, a plumbing company truck pulled forward from the stop sign. The driver intended to turn right onto University Drive. The truck struck our client as she crossed Smith Drive. The impact knocked her from her bike. Her head struck the pavement. She suffered immediate traumatic head and facial injuries.
Our investigation established critical facts about the collision. The plumbing truck driver was looking left for a break in eastbound traffic on University. Significantly, he failed to look right before starting his turn. As a result, he collided into our client and her bicycle while attempting the right turn.
Despite a strong comparative fault argument against our client for her ordinance violation, these facts established that the plumbing company and driver had fault as well for our client’s injuries.
We developed the full scope of our client’s damages during litigation. This included the 3-cm facial laceration that resulted in a permanent facial scar. Additionally, she experienced lingering thoracic spine pain that limited her physical activities like playing tennis. Moreover, she developed ongoing anxiety that prevented her from riding a bicycle.
Despite a strong comparative fault defense, we secured fair and reasonable compensation for our client under the circumstances at mediation.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Outcomes depend on the facts and law of each case.
